Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the Toilet, According to Arthritis Treatment Center

FREDERICK, Md., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent ruling by
federal judge Royce C. Lamberth halting embryonic stem cell
research may present a hurdle for some disease research but not
necessarily for arthritis. A key note presentation, entitled
"Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment
of Osteoarthritis of the Knee" will be made on November 9, 2010
at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in
Atlanta.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated with the loss of
cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones and which
provides cushioning and shock absorption. When cartilage
wears away, the end result is reduced joint function, and possibly,
disability.

According to lead author Dr. Nathan Wei, "Osteoarthritis affects
more than 20 million Americans, but our treatment options have been
limited to symptom relief... No therapies solve the problem of
cartilage loss."

He goes on to say, "Many people aren't aware that there are many
different types of stem cells. Embryonic cells are only one
type. Adult stem cells are readily accessible from bone
marrow. Our study shows that adult stem cells may hold the key to
successful cartilage regeneration. "

He adds, "We used a 'cocktail' mixture of adult stem cells,
platelet rich plasma, better known as PRP, and fat. The PRP
stimulates stem cell growth and the fat provides a framework and
bulk for the stem cells to hold onto."

In the study, 22 patients underwent stem cell treatment for
osteoarthritis of the knee. Data was available for 20
patients, ranging in age from 36 to 84 years. There were 15
men and 5 women.

Clinical assessments as well as ultrasound measurement of
cartilage thickness were performed.

There were three treatment failures, defined as patients who did
not improve above baseline.

Data was available at the time of abstract submission for 11
patients at 6